Best Original Keyblanks

[pmwillie]

I see them on ebay one in a while, but where can I purchase ORIGINAL best keyblanks? Does best access systems have resellers I could get them from or do I have to have a contract with stanley solutions?

Thanks,

Chris

[Evan]

@pmwillie:

Knowing where you are located geographically would help a great deal in answering this question...

Have you made inquiries with your local locksmith suppliers ?

~~ Evan

[pmwillie]

Sorry. Should have included that. I'm in Michigan, USA. I have not inquired in local suppliers. I'm new to the locksmithing business. I'm trying to incorporate I/C into what I can offer.

Thanks,

Chris

[squelchtone]

Remember there are other alternatives to BEST. Falcon and Arrow for every day use and heavy master keying, and Medeco, and ASSA for high security.

ebay still has a decent selection, but its not as reliable as having a reseller or your own account with BEST or whomever you choose to work with.

BEST blanks on ebay search results HERE

good luck with your business,
Squelchtone

[cledry]

I see them on ebay one in a while, but where can I purchase ORIGINAL best keyblanks? Does best access systems have resellers I could get them from or do I have to have a contract with stanley solutions?

Thanks,

Chris

Why do you need original blanks? Most keyways are available in very nice ns Ilco or other aftermarket blanks or you can use Falcon or Arrow originals in the same Best keyways. In addition some aftermarket suppliers offer restricted keyways.

[pmwillie]

I guess I don't, but what I wanted out of it is security. So if I see one of my key holders with an aftermarket key blank, I know it was duplicated against my desire. I know ebay has best blanks, but I don't see originals very often.

[2octops]

You can get them directly from Best or from a stocking distributor.

[cledry]

I guess I don't, but what I wanted out of it is security. So if I see one of my key holders with an aftermarket key blank, I know it was duplicated against my desire. I know ebay has best blanks, but I don't see originals very often.

It would be better to obtain your own restricted keyway then. That is the way to offer key control. Your method simply shows that a key was duplicated elsewhere but doesn't control the act of doing so and thus compromises control. Of course there are other reasons for wanting to know if the key came from you so below are a few alternatives.

You could simply buy coined blanks with your logo or stamp the keys with something unique. I knew one locksmith that stamped his keys with a small propeller.

[Evan]

I guess I don't, but what I wanted out of it is security. So if I see one of my key holders with an aftermarket key blank, I know it was duplicated against my desire. I know ebay has best blanks, but I don't see originals very often.

@pmwillie:

That is why at the very least you would serialize each key...

If you want to get really paranoid about such things you can either get your own custom stamp made or use one of those really expensive electromechanical stamping machines and create your own custom symbols...

Cledry had some good advice about licensing the use of a geographically factory restricted keyway to provide better security against unauthorized key duplication...

If you have to use open keyways for whatever reason, custom coined neuter bow type blanks are the way to go, you would only be responsible for the keys made on those blanks, anything else would be an unauthorized duplicate... They are quite pricey to buy into and there is a design/set up fee for making the die to coin the blanks you order...

~~ Evan

[pmwillie]

Nonetheless...

Can I order directly from Stanley / Best Access Systems or do I have to go with a reseller? I've googled quite a bit and can't find an online supplier.

[2octops]

you can order direct if you become set up in their system, otherwise you will have to order from a vendor

[Evan]

you can order direct if you become set up in their system, otherwise you will have to order from a vendor

+1...

Unless you are wanting to buy something that Best considers restricted without having the proper signature(s) on your order form...

~~ Evan

[pmwillie]

Nope, I'm not looking for anything restricted keyway. Just standard blanks (L,Q,M,E,TB,etc..)

[cledry]

Nope, I'm not looking for anything restricted keyway. Just standard blanks (L,Q,M,E,TB,etc..)

How do you know that the original Best key was not duplicated by another locksmith that has access to Best blanks? I can think of three shops here in town that carry originals in some keyways.

[Evan]

Nope, I'm not looking for anything restricted keyway. Just standard blanks (L,Q,M,E,TB,etc..)

How do you know that the original Best key was not duplicated by another locksmith that has access to Best blanks? I can think of three shops here in town that carry originals in some keyways.

+1...

This is why you either need personalized coined neuter bow key blanks with your company name on them or a hand stamp which is custom made to mark all the keys you produce...

~~ Evan